I am an early stage investor and adviser to startup companies, especially those introducing disruptive technologies in media, electronic commerce, social networking and clean technology.My purpose is to improve the use of information technology to make massive improvements to the human condition—for example, by radically changing the way we measure health, manage fuel costs, or use water. I shepherded Reuters investment in Yahoo, and more recently was an early stage investor in Tesla Motors, the maker of fine electric automobiles.With a background in journalism, the distinct value I bring as an investor is two-fold: (1) a trusted, varied, and non-traditional network, and (2) a keen ability to uncover hidden yet important truths.Experienced co-founder, investor, business development executive and board member and advisor. Primary focus is on media related businesses, including software and Internet technology.
Ascendance Ventures
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PresidentAscendance Ventures Oct 2001 - Present Independent consultancy advising serial entrepreneurs and startup teams on corporate development, financing, etc. Build and maintain relationships with business and technology industry leaders both to enhance the portfolios standing in the industry and to create business opportunities for the companies in Ascendances network.
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MemberE2 Environmental Entrepreneurs 2002 - PresentJoined Entrepreneurs working collectively as environmental activists to demonstrate pro-environment policies can and should also be pro business.
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AdvisorEvery Voice Engaged Foundation 2016 - 2016
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InvestorMission Motors 2009 - 2015
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InvestorMission Motors 2009 - 2015
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InvestorMission Motors 2009 - 2015
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Member, Alumni MemberFull Circle Fund 2001 - 2014Oakland, Ca, UsFounding member of Housing and Environment Circles -
AdviserTawkify 2012 - 2012
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MemberKeiretsu Forum 2001 - 2010Orinda, Ca, UsEvaluated early stage startups seeking angel and venture investment. -
VariousObama For America 2007 - 2008Organized grassroots to major donors efforts from day one of the campaign, including "ObamaScribes" letter writers and culminating with the campaign's largest all volunteer GOTV phone bank.
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Visiting FellowStanford University - Reuters Digital Vision Program Sep 2005 - Aug 2006Stanford, Ca, UsEstablishing community and communications tools for civic-minded individuals to prepare for and to help assist victims of humanitarian disasters and disruptions. The Reuters Digital Vision project is establishing a prototype reference and networking resource for individuals and civic organizers, even relief workers, government officials, military personnel and companies working to reduce the toll of callamities estimated to impact the lives of two billion people - or nearly one in every three people on earth. -
Senior Vice PresidentNextset Software Mar 2000 - Jan 2001 Sourced and evaluated new investment opportunities. Managed second largest ever [after Crossworlds] Angel funding of a Silicon Valley startup, March 2000. Established program and team for an infrastructure software for equity program to establish and extend the network of NextSet Software customers in the targeted industries of financial services and e-commerce.
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Vice President Of MarketingNextset Software 2000 - 2001 Managed companys marketing program during an extensive scaling back and restructuring of the company, which provides infrastructure software and services to the banking and electronic commerce industries.
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DirectorReuters Greenhouse Jan 1997 - Feb 2000Toronto, On, Ca Sourced, performed diligence and managed investments in technology and software companies and maintained relationships in Reuters venture investment portfolio. Companies in which led or co-led investment and/or held board seat included Epicentric [sold to Vignette Corp.], VentureOne [sold to Wicks Business Information], Tacit Communications, On24, Aurigin, Bitpipe and Digimarc. The Reuters portfolio included leading technology infrastructure and information companies, such as Yahoo!, Infoseek [Sold to ABC/Disney], Verisign, Intertrust, and Sportsline. Established relations between portfolio companies and Reuters business units. Managed Greenhouse incubator development project to showcase and test models for utilizing technologies of portfolio companies for extending Reuters offerings. Developed and managed annual Silicon Valley Technology Tour for Reuters board members and senior company executives. -
Senior Correspondent / EditorReuters Greenhouse 1987 - 2000Toronto, On, CaSenior Correspondent - Silicon Valley 1996-1997 Palo Alto CA Established and managed high tech news bureau.Editor and Senior Correspondent 1993-1996 London, England Developed TV spot coverage for Reuters Business Television and Sky News. Launch editor of Reuters Air Cargo Service.Northwest (U.S) Correspondent 1991 1993 Seattle, WA Opened Reuters first Seattle bureau, initiating direct coverage of Microsoft, Boeing, and the Pacific Northwest region, including launch of a NW energy report.Wall Street Correspondent & Technology Specialist 1987 1991 New York, NY Led reporting on end of 1980s LBO era, including takeover battles for Hollywood studios and NCR, and collapse of high-flying investment bank Drexel Burnham Lambert. Day-to-day manager of a newly formed Wall Street stock market reporting unit. As Technology Specialist, responsible for U.S. technology industry coverage. Covered 1988 Presidential race and U.N. sessions. -
Board DirectorEpicentric 1999 - 2000Us -
Nordic CorrespondentUpi - United Press International Jun 1983 - May 1986Covered Nobel Prize selections, East-West arms talks, Cold War submarine intrusions, etc. in the five Nordic countries.
Sam Perry Education Details
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Harvard UniversitySocial Studies Honors Program -
University Of CambridgeInternational Relations -
Bayes Business School1996 -
Stockholms UniversityEconomics And Future Of Society -
Stanford UniversityBusiness And Entrepreneurship -
Milton AcademyWith Distinction
Frequently Asked Questions about Sam Perry
What company does Sam Perry work for?
Sam Perry works for Ascendance Ventures
What is Sam Perry's role at the current company?
Sam Perry's current role is Seed Stage Investor, advisor and board member.
What schools did Sam Perry attend?
Sam Perry attended Harvard University, University Of Cambridge, Bayes Business School, Stockholms University, Stanford University, Milton Academy.
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